Get To Know Us

We’re Svitzer — and for over 190 years, we’ve kept ports moving and ships safe with reliable towage and marine services. Across Australia and Papua New Guinea, we work closely with pilots, terminals, and crews to support safe vessel movements. We’re proud to be the largest employer of Australian seafarers and play a vital role in the communities we serve.

Are you a technically skilled and safety-conscious marine engineer? We're looking for a Tug Engineer to join our Port Pirie team in South Australia on a 50% permanent part-time, unrostered basis. There is no fixed roster - instead, you’ll follow a primary and secondary schedule that provides visibility of expected work periods, allowing flexibility to meet operational needs.

You’ll be paid fortnightly, based on a 50% pro-rata structure. The full-time equivalent salary is $189,567, with the part-time equivalent at $94,783. Onboard accommodation is available during duty periods.

If you're based in Australia and open to relocating, relocation assistance may be offered to the right candidate.

Why Port Pirie?

Located just over 220km north of Adelaide, Port Pirie is a key industrial hub on the Upper Spencer Gulf. The port services one of the world’s largest smelters and plays a critical role in exporting zinc and lead concentrates. It’s a welcoming regional community, and this role offers the chance to work close to home - or make a fresh start in a new location.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Tug Engineer, you’ll play a key role in keeping our vessels running safely and reliably. Reporting to the Tug Master, your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining all onboard machinery, including engine and deck equipment
• Carrying out maintenance and repair of marine systems and equipment
• Supporting safe and effective winch operation during towage jobs
• Identifying and reporting defects promptly to keep operations on track
• Preparing maintenance records and operational reports as required
• Ensuring compliance with safety procedures, regulations, and company policies
• Assisting on deck when needed to support the crew and vessel operations
• Participating in drills, training, and skills development

What You’ll Bring

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• A minimum Engineer Class 3 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency or equivalent
• A valid AMSA Medical that matches your Certificate of Competency
• Current Provide First Aid and Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates
• Solid knowledge of marine engines, propulsion systems, and auxiliary equipment
• Experience working in towage to tug operations will help you step in with confidence
• A strong focus on safety and following procedures to get the job done right
• The ability to stay calm, think clearly, and adapt when conditions change
• A willingness to embrace technology and support sustainable ways of working
• The right to live and work in Australia

Building a Diverse Workplace

In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.